When screen makers troubleshoot exposure problems, they often start with the emulsion, exposure time, or washout process. Those are all important. But one of the most overlooked parts of the process happens even earlier: the quality of the printed positive. If your positive is not dark enough, it cannot block UV light effectively during exposure. […]

Your darkroom is where print quality starts. If screens are drying inconsistently, film positives are shifting, or exposures feel like a guessing game, it is usually not bad luck. It is small variables stacking up. The good news is you do not need a massive rebuild to get predictable results. Start by controlling the room, […]

Screen making is full of small moments that feel like big wins. The kind of wins that tell you the process is dialed, the chemistry is behaving, and the screen room is about to make the print floor look like heroes. It’s not always the flashy stuff, either. Most of the real satisfaction comes from […]

When it comes to screen printing, there are several ways to expose your screens. Ideally, you’ll use an LED exposure unit like the Quick Image or an automated laser system such as the LTS 8012 (Laser-To-Screen) for precision, speed, and consistency. But what happens if your equipment malfunctions or you’re just starting out and don’t […]

When it comes to choosing a screen printing emulsion, one of the most misunderstood aspects is the concept of “thickness.” Printers often say an emulsion feels thick—or too thin—but what exactly are they referring to? Is it the viscosity of the liquid emulsion or the solids content that remains after drying? Printers frequently assume that […]

Whether you’re just getting started or have years of screen printing under your belt, choosing the right emulsion is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your shop. A good emulsion sets the foundation for sharp, durable stencils and efficient production. But not all emulsions are created equal—some are better suited for water-based […]

Screen printing is a cornerstone of the custom apparel and promotional products industry, offering unparalleled versatility, vibrant color options, and cost-effective production. Maximizing efficiency in the screen printing shop is crucial for maintaining profitability and staying competitive, for shops of all sizes. The versatility of screen printing allows businesses to offer diverse products to their […]

When making screens for screen printing, a proper exposure can save you hours of frustration on press. At least 90% of stencil failures can be traced back to exposure times. Chromaline’s Dual Exposure Calculator eliminates miscalculated exposure time with three kinds of quality checks: determines your correct exposure time, performs a print quality check and […]

Properly drying your coated screens when making screens for screen printing is a critical step in the screen making process. It ensures that the emulsion adheres uniformly to the mesh, preventing issues such as peeling or flaking during printing. This uniform adhesion is critical for maintaining the integrity of your design, allowing for sharp and […]

Embarking on the journey of screen printing can feel overwhelming with the myriad of choices and detailed processes involved. From selecting the right mesh and frame to understanding the nuances of emulsions and exposures, the initial steps may seem daunting. However, Chromaline is here to streamline the screen making process and help simplify the entire […]